Mr. Brennan. Malachi tried not to look as perturbed by that as he felt. Mr. Brennan was a title reserved for his father and for Levi, not for him.

"Father," he corrected.

Miss Clarke's business model was better than he had expected, when the constable had first mentioned the boarding house. Malachi nodded along as she gave her explanation, glancing about the rest of the room in the meantime in superficial inspection. She was generous with the things she had, and that was what counted to him. He asked mainly on account of the various people that came to him seeking shelter -- if any other ladies did, as Miss Mason had, he supposed he could send them here.

Before he could inquire about anything else, he felt Nettie return to his side. Malachi offered a nod and allowed himself to be guided out, taking note of the way Crane distanced himself from them. He didn't stare after the constable long, looking down at his niece with a thoughtful look.

"I think it's a nice place. Miss Clarke seems... a little stern, but there's no fault for her to find in you, so I'm certain you'd be fine," answered Malachi. "There are the other women living here to consider, but I somehow doubt that Miss Clarke would tolerate anyone particularly troublesome."